The Master of Science in Software Engineering degree at Maynooth University exposes graduates in Computer Science and related disciplines to the many facets of this complex area – the technical, the methodological, the organizational – so that successful participants will subsequently be able to lead major projects in software engineering in many industrial and commercial sectors.
Commences
September 2018
Each module is delivered as a series of intensive lectures. Each module also has associated practical work.
Participants submit a dissertation based on a Software Engineering topic. They also complete a work placement in industry (normally with a salary) organised by the University Placement Office.
Duration: 1 Year Full Time
As software systems become an ever more important part of everyday life, the dependability of these systems is becoming ever more critical.
The unique, two-year Joint Master programme, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Msc in Advanced Systems Dependability (DEPEND) is offered by Maynooth University in Ireland, the University of St. Andrews in Scotland (UK), and the Université de Lorraine in Nancy (France). Up to 20 full, 2-year grants worth up to EUR 49,000 each (fees, travel, & subsistence) are available per year, funded by the European Erasmus+ EMJMD Programme: full details will be published soon on this website.
The course provides students with the knowledge, skill, and in-depth technical understanding of the key topics of safety, reliability, availability, and security of software-based systems. This is achieved by bringing together the theory and practice of software development through research projects and work experience in both industrial and research settings.
Students attend two of the three universities during the course, spending one year at each. Annual summer schools are an important element of the course, and these take place at a different university each year. The 120 ECTS course consists of taught modules, projects & dissertations, experiential learning activities (work placements), and opportunities to explore the culture of each country.
On successful completion of the course, students are awarded a Joint M.Sc. degree by a consortium of the three universities; the course is accredited in all three countries.
Courses are taught in English and are structured according to the ECTS. Students will be integrated into the culture of the country where they study through language and cultural courses provided by the Universities which they attend
The Higher Diploma in Science (Computer Science) is a postgraduate course intended for graduates whose primary degree included 3-year’s study of Computing. On completion of the course participants would be expected to reach a level of competence equivalent to that of a four year BSc graduate in Computer Science.
Commences
September
Students choose, subject to module prerequisites, 9 modules; modules chosen must not have been covered at this level in a previous qualification. In addition a project is required.
Duration: 1 year Full-time
The Higher Diploma in Science (Software Development) is a one-year programme for graduates with degrees in ANY subject giving them a practical introduction to software development including programming, software design and testing, team project work. It is designed to give students practical skills for use in the software industry as programmers, software designers and testers and to bring students to the standard for industrial accreditation as programmers.
Teaching and learning will be through lectures, practical lab sessions, and directed reading as required for the different subjects. Module delivery is not just a scheduled series of topics, but rather balanced to meet the needs and progression rates of the students. The course places a balance between learning the fundamentals of the subject, and applying them in practice.
Assessment is handled in a similar manner, with most modules having a combination of practical assessment during the delivery of the module, and an examination at the end of the semester. Typically module material is also made available through eLearning tools (primarily Moodle) allowing students to revise at their own pace. Additional tutorials are used, where required, to assist students who may have problems with particular aspects of a module.
Typically, a MSc takes two years to complete (three years if taken part-time); at the end of the first year the student may have the option to transfer to the PhD register if they so wish subject to satisfactory progress.
The aim of the Structured MSc in Computer Science is to provide the student with an opportunity to carry out a significant body of research work with support from the teaching component of the programme. The programme will offer academic subjects to enhance their knowledge as well as transferable and generic skills that will add significantly to the MSc experience by broadening the skill base of the candidate.
The first step is to identify a potential supervisor. This involves deciding on a general research area that you are interested in and to contact a member of the department’s staff that is working in that area. The best approach is to look through the staff web pages and the list of Research Groups/Projects in the department.
Research postgraduates are typically (though not exclusively) funded during their research. Support varies depending on the source, but at best, funding can include payment of fees, a salary and travel expenses. Note that all funding programmes are highly competitive, and most are contingent on the applicant securing high marks in their primary degree.
Closing date
Research applications are generally accepted at any time
Commences
September (or other agreed time)
Potential MSc students should decide on a general research area that they’re interested in, and then contact a member of the department’s staff that’s working in that area. The best approach is to look through the staff web pages and the list of Research Groups/Projects in the department – these can be found at https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/computer-science/our-research
Research students can also register to work jointly with the Department of Computer Science and one of the following MU research institutes: National Centre for Geocomputation, An Foras Feasa, the Hamilton Institute and the Innovation Value Institute. Please see the entries for these institutes for more details of the research topics available.
Duration: 2 years Full-time, 3 years Part-time
The MSc in Computer Science (Applied) offers students with degrees that include three years of Computer Science a personalised programme of advanced CS modules to enhance their knowledge and fit their strengths. Furthermore, students deepen their research and practical skills through a project and dissertation plus an industrial work placement meaning they will get the opportunity to apply the skills from the lecture hall and the research laboratory in a real industrial environment. This will be a key part of their training and enhance their employment prospects following their graduation.
Commences
September
The course lasts two years. In year one, students will do 12 taught modules selected to complement their previous experience and knowledge. In year 2, semester 1 consists of an advanced module in programming plus a choice of optional modules. In addition, student undertake a major individual software project and preparation for work placement. In semester 2, students are placed within software companies to gain at least six months of relevant work experience.
Duration: 2 years Full-time
